Firefighters still battling Big Bear & Julian blazes

As of Sunday night, the blazes have burned nearly 17,000 acres and forced thousands to evacuate.

By Ari Bloomekatz, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
10:42 AM PDT, September 17, 2007

Related Stories

10:02 AM PDT -- More than 2,200 firefighters continued to battle wildfires today near Big Bear Lake and the historic town of Julian in San Diego County that have forced thousands of people from their homes.

The blaze near Big Bear Lake, called the Butler 2 fire, has scorched more than 15,433 acres in the San Bernardino National Forest and is about 12% contained, said U.S. Forest Service spokeswoman Lisa Duke.

Crews attacked the fire first by using bulldozers to cut lines ahead of the blaze's northeasterly path, and over the weekend officials stepped up their aerial support, using 12 airplanes and 14 helicopters to drop water and retardant.

The Angel fire, which destroyed one structure near Julian, had consumed about 1,300 acres and was about 60% contained Sunday evening.

"Mother Nature really cooperated with us today," said Daniel Berlant, a spokesman for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. "We're doing a lot better than we were yesterday, but we don't want to become complacent."

The Butler 2 fire started Friday in an area west of Fawnskin. It rode 20 mph winds for much of Saturday, scorching brush and timber in mostly steep terrain. That day, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency in San Bernardino County, saying, "There is imminent danger to populated areas, including 6,000 homes and 150 businesses."

But Forest Service officials said Sunday that only 600 homes were still threatened between Green Valley and Fawnskin. Mandatory evacuation orders remain in effect for the 1,200 residents of Fawnskin, near Butler Peak on the north shore of the lake.

Rita Swilling, 31, who was evacuated from her home in Fawnskin along with her husband and four children, said she only had time to grab clothes and food for her 9-month-old.

"I keep reminding the kids that their possessions can be replaced," she said as she prepared to spend another night at a Red Cross shelter. "As long as we're all together and safe, it's all good."

About 300 Green Valley residents, who had previously been under a mandatory evacuation order, are now under a voluntary order.

Barbara Aker, owner of the Gold Pan restaurant in Fawnskin, said she did not evacuate because she wanted to provide food for firefighters.

"The bombers and the helicopters are just unreal. There's just so many of them," she said. "They're doing a helluva job. Those bombers are just going as fast as those poor babies can go."

Aker, whose restaurant has been open since 1969, said she will stay as long as she can, but will leave if she begins seeing flames. "My granddaughter is freaking out, but I've been through a lot of them. I just have a lot of faith. . . . If I see flames on the ridge, it's a big danger and it's time to get out."

More than 1,000 firefighters were attacking the blaze Sunday, aided by 12 air tankers, 14 helicopters, 41 engines and 15 bulldozers.

In addition to the mandatory evacuations, authorities also recommended evacuations in Lucerne Valley from Crystal Creek Road on the east to High Road on the west and north to the Pitzer Buttes area; and from downtown Running Springs east through Arrowbear. The YMCA's Camp Whittle, as well as the Big Pine Flat, Butler Peak Lookout, Hanna Flat, Ironwood and Yellow Post campgrounds, are closed. One outbuilding was destroyed at Camp Whittle and one firefighter was injured.

Officials said schools would be closed today in the Big Bear Unified School. In San Diego County, some 700 firefighters were still battling the fire near Julian on Sunday, but only about 120 families remained evacuated from the communities of Cedar Glen, Lower Banner Grade and portions of Whispering Pines.

In addition, Wynola Road between California 78 and Farmer Road as well as California 78 at Sunshine Trail had been closed until further notice, said Berlant, of the state Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

Departing from:
Depart:
Going to:
Return:

More Flight search options